Friday, February 25, 2011

Letters from the Alamo Febuary 25,1836 From Lt. Col. Travis to Sam Houston

HEADQUARTERS, FORT OF THE ALAMO: Sir; On the 23rd of Feb., the enemy in large force entered the city of Bexar, which could not be prevented, as I had not sufficient force to occupy both positions. Col. Bartes, the Adjutant-Major of the President-General Santa Anna, demanded a surrender at discretion, calling us foreign rebels. I answered them with a cannon shot, upon which the enemy commenced a bombardment with a five inch howitzer, which together with a heavy cannonade, has been kept up incessantly ever since. I instantly sent express to Col. Fannin, at Goliad, and to the people of Gonzales and San Felipe. Today at 10 o'clock a.m. some two or three hundred Mexicans crossed the river below and came up under cover of the houses until they arrived within virtual point blank shot, when we opened a heavy discharge of grape and canister on them, together with a well directed fire from small arms which forced them to halt and take shelter in the houses about 90 or 100 yards from our batteries. The action continued to rage about two hours, when the enemy retreated in confusion, dragging many of their dead and wounded. During the action, the enemy kept up a constant bombardment and discharge of balls, grape, and canister. We know from actual observation that many of the enemy were wounded -- while we, on our part, have not lost a man. Two or three of our men have been slightly scratched by pieces of rock, but have not been disabled. I take great pleasure in stating that both officers and men conducted themselves with firmness and bravery. Lieutenant Simmons of cavalry acting as infantry, and Captains Carey, Dickinson and Blair of the artillery, rendered essential service, and Charles Despallier and Robert Brown gallantly sallied out and set fire to houses which afforded the enemy shelter, in the face of enemy fire. Indeed, the whole of the men who were brought into action conducted themselves with such heroism that it would be injustice to discriminate. The Hon. David Crockett was seen at all points, animating the men to do their duty. Our numbers are few and the enemy still continues to approximate his works to ours. I have every reason to apprehend an attack from his whole force very soon; but I shall hold out to the last extremity, hoping to secure reinforcements in a day or two. Do hasten on aid to me as rapidly as possible, as from the superior number of the enemy, it will be impossible for us to keep them out much longer. If they overpower us, we fall a sacrifice at the shrine of our country, and we hope prosperity and our country will do our memory justice. Give me help, oh my country! Victory or Death! W. Barret Travis
Lt. Col. Com

1 comment:

For most of her life my grandmother was an active member of "The sons and daughters of the Republic of Texas,in San Antonio. They gave an engraved brass plate to the Alamo for use there inside the front door,I would read it on every visit and point it out to visitors from far away. As close as I can recall it said "Ladies and gentlemen please remove your hats as you are now entering the shrine of the birthplace of the Republic of Texas."Then in the 1960s or early 70's I was taking some friends there from New Zealand and noticed the plaque was gone. I asked where it was and was told it was in a back room? I ask Why? The engraved brass plate was CONSIDERED OFFENSIVE to MEXICANS so it was removed!!!!I objected then and now put the plaque back!Thanks for your time NobodysaysBOO.PS You school teachers leave my grammar and spelling alone the content is correct, and LEAVE THEM KIDS ALONE!